I just noticed that when I have the heat on full blast, and push the recirculate interior air button (the one with a pic of a vehicle on it) after a minute or two it shuts off by itself, and goes back to the draw fresh air from outside mode.

Is it broke, or is it telling me it doesnt want me to get too hot?

 

It shouldn't shut off, unless you switch it back, as far as I know. Maybe if it's on automatic, it will take it off of there. If it's on manual, it will stay. I close mine off when running the a/c.

 

the only time Recirc should shut itself off is if you cycle the ignition. it shouldn't do that by itself when just driving around.


sounds like you may have found your defrost culprit

 

ok so now what? Just outa warranty.

 

no idea. Most places charge about $100 just to diagnose...but if they repair the issue, that $100 goes toward the entire bill usually

if you are just slightly over the warranty, why not try and see if they'll do it as a freebie?

 

it is well over the 60,000km warranty, so not much chance. I invested in a $50 winter front kit so next frigid day we'll see if the defrost is any better.
Fia Winter Front/Bug Screen Combination - TrukToys.com
I am reluctant to tear down the dash just for this small issue, cause they'll probably bust something else.

 

I found the manual online (clip below), and it says that the recirculate switch IS apparently supposed to turn off automatically sometimes. It is pretty vague about why, or for how long or under what circumstances.
Mine only stays on for a couple of minutes. Is this the norm for you guys? If I could find a way for it to stay on longer, it would probably resolve the defrost problem I am having in stormy weather...give this a read:
************************************************** ********

Recirculation control: Press to activate/deactivate air
recirculation in cabin. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time to
cool down the interior of the vehicle and may also help reduce undesired
odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Recirculation can be
engaged manually in any other airflow selection except (defrost).
Recirculation may turn off automatically.